The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Program, an AmeriCorps Program administered through the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement, has a mission to increase the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of trained graduate-level members who live and serve in communities for 11 months (a minimum of 1,700 hours). Members will serve in capacity building positions in rural Oregon.
For more information on how to apply to become a RARE AmeriCorps Member, please visit our website: https://rare.uoregon.edu/application-process/member-application-process/
Service Activities
RARE AmeriCorps projects typically fall into three broad categories:
Community and Economic Development
• Assisting rural entrepreneurs in the development of business plans
• Completing economic development plans for local, county and regional governmental entities
• Coordinating the development of a downtown master plan
• Facilitating city-wide facilities assessment and mapping project with Geographic Information Systems
• Completing parks and recreation master plan
• Engaging a community in creative placemaking and installing murals
Environmental and Sustainability Planning
• Coordinating an array of watershed enhancement projects
• Designing a citizen involvement program for a watershed council
• Creating a rural solar outreach strategy
Community Food Security/Food Systems
• Creation of community food assessments and tribal food sovereignty assessments
• Enhancement of local farmers’ markets and food related business activities
• Development of a regional agritourism food trail
• Coordinating partners in creation of a regional food hub
Community Need Addressed
Members will increase the vitality and vibrancy of Oregon's rural communities by planning and implementing critical projects across Oregon on a wide range of topics, including community and economic development, food systems, and environmental and sustainability planning.
Position Outcomes
35 members will increase the capacity of the organizations in which they serve to be more effective and efficient.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Nine graduate credits
Education Benefits
RARE AmeriCorps members receive nine Graduate Credits from the University of Oregon’s Master of Community & Regional Planning, Master of Public Administration, or Master of Nonprofit Management program.
In addition, each RARE member receives $300 of professional development funds ($500 for 2nd-year members) that can be applied to enrollment in a class, registration for a conference, or other professional development opportunities throughout their year of service.
Skills you will gain
Public speaking, grant writing, project management, facilitation, outreach.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment